Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Drifton, PA
Thinking about moving to Drifton, PA? This small community of around 700 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices near $110,000 and rents averaging $830. Crime rates are low, and average commutes are a manageable 25 minutes. While educational attainment is modest, families have access to nearby schools and colleges. Enjoy four distinct seasons, with snowy winters and mild summers—perfect for those who appreciate a quiet, rural lifestyle with easy access to Hazleton's amenities.
Demographics - Drifton, PA
Demographics - Drifton, PA
Drifton is a small community of about 700 residents, featuring a predominantly White population with a median age of 44, which creates a quiet and close-knit atmosphere. The area has a balanced gender ratio and a modest proportion of non-English speakers, making it a welcoming place for newcomers seeking a peaceful pace of life.
Population:
700
Density:
450 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
89.0%
Black:
2.2%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
7.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Drifton, PA?
Living in Drifton is budget-friendly, with a median home value of $110,000 and an overall cost of living index significantly below the national average. Residents benefit from affordable rents, reasonable utility rates, and low state income tax, making it an attractive option for those seeking value and comfort.
Median House Value:
$110,000
Gross Rent:
$830
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,240
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
3.07%
|
High:
3.07%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.2
Grocery:
93.4
Housing:
62.5
Utilities:
99.1
Transportation:
92.9
Health Care:
94.0
Miscellaneous:
89.3
Crime
Is Drifton, PA a safe place to live?
Drifton offers a relatively safe environment, with low violent crime rates—your chance of encountering violent crime is just 1 in 555. Property crime is also modest, providing peace of mind for families and individuals alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
180
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,150
Crime Index:
1,330
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 555
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 87
Weather
What is the weather like in Drifton, PA year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons in Drifton, with snowy winters averaging lows around 18°F, pleasant summers reaching up to 79°F, and moderate rainfall throughout the year. The area enjoys nearly half its days as sunny, perfect for those who appreciate changing seasons and outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
35°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
79°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
43.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
48%
Neighbors
The community features a median household income of around $49,000 and a family income of $56,400, with a poverty rate just under 15%. Most residents commute less than 25 minutes and public transportation use is minimal, reflecting the town’s small-town, car-friendly lifestyle.
Median Income:
$30,000
Household Income:
$48,900
Family Income:
$56,400
Per Capita Income:
$22,500
Income Male:
$41,000
Income Female:
$32,000
Poverty Rate:
14.7%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$830
Unemployment Rate:
5.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
24.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
86.1%
Bachelors or More:
14.5%
Education
How are the schools in Drifton, PA?
Families in Drifton have access to both public and private schools within a short distance, as well as higher education at Penn State Hazleton just 3 miles away. The local schools offer favorable student-to-teacher ratios, supporting personalized learning in a supportive community environment.
Public Schools
Name:
Heights-Terrace Elementary/Middle School
Street:
275 Mill St, Hazleton, PA 18201
Phone:
570-459-3221
Students:
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Private Schools
Name:
Holy Family Academy
Street:
601 N Laurel St, Hazleton, PA 18201
Phone:
570-455-9431
Students:
420
Colleges
Name:
Penn State Hazleton
City:
Hazleton
State:
PA
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
900
Healthcare
Healthcare is accessible in Drifton, with major hospitals like Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hazleton nearby and nearly 92% of residents covered by health insurance. The area has a reasonable number of physicians per capita, ensuring residents can access essential services close to home.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hazleton
Address:
700 E Broad St, Hazleton, PA 18201
Phone:
(570) 501-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
68.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Drifton, PA?
Drifton’s housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $110,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $830. Most homes are owner-occupied, and recent appreciation rates suggest a stable and appealing market for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$110,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$830
Owner Occupied Rate:
63.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Residents can manage their driver and vehicle needs through PennDOT’s Hazleton office, conveniently located just a short drive away. Services include licensing and registration, with helpful staff and resources available both in person and online.
State:
Pennsylvania
Department:
PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services
Address:
1052 S Church St, Hazleton, PA 18201
Phone:
1-800-932-4600
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.